The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program allows international students who have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada to gain valuable work experience in their field of study. With the rise of online studies due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many students may be wondering if their online studies qualify for a PGWP. The good news is that online studies can still qualify for a PGWP, as long as the institution is a designated learning institution and the program meets the criteria set out by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

To qualify for a PGWP, students must have completed a program of study at a DLI that is at least eight months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. The program must be full-time, and students must have maintained their student status throughout their studies. Online studies can still qualify for a PGWP as long as the institution is a designated learning institution and the program meets these criteria.

To check if your institution is a designated learning institution, you can visit the CIC website or the CICinfo portal. You can also check the DLI number of your institution on your study permit or on your official transcript.

When applying for a PGWP, you will need to submit a number of documents to CIC, including your study permit, your official transcript, and proof of completion of your program of study. If your program was completed entirely online, you may also need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of attendance or participation in online classes.

Learn more: https://canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/notices/distance-learning-measures.html

It is also important to note that while the program must be completed in Canada, the actual location of study whether it’s online or in-person doesn’t matter when it comes to eligibility for PGWP as long as the institution is a DLI.

In conclusion, international students who have completed an online program at a designated learning institution in Canada can still qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). As long as the program meets the criteria set out by CIC, and the institution is a DLI, students can gain valuable work experience in their field of study. Be sure to check the DLI status of your institution by visiting CIC website or CICinfo portal and submit the required documents to CIC through CIC login.